Executive Order, Impact & Resources

Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States” signed on March 6, 2017 includes a revised entry ban on nationals of 6 countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen). The new order revokes and replaces the first Executive Order.

Late Friday, January 27, 2017 President Trump signed an Executive Order titled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” The Executive Order was almost immediately put into force by Customs and Border Protection personnel. The executive order prohibits non-U.S. citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States until at least April 27, 2017. The order also temporarily halts the refugee program and the Syrian refugee program, indefinitely. This order has resulted in uncertainty for affected individuals traveling internationally and, according to news reports, some travelers are experiencing difficulties reentering the United States. The executive order can be found here.

Federal agencies are providing additional information on the executive order but implementation has been inconsistent.

General Questions

“Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States” signed on March 6, 2017 includes a revised entry ban on nationals of 6 countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen). The new order revokes and replaces the first Executive Order.

At the University of Kentucky International Center we understand that our first responsibility is to support our fellow students and colleagues. We take their fears and worries seriously, and understand that these times call us to be allies to those who are vulnerable.

Students with legal questions are strongly encouraged to seek prompt legal advice for their specific personal and family circumstances. Resources to find an immigration attorney include:

American Immigration Lawyers Association Immigration Lawyer Referral Service – provides referrals to immigration attorneys across the U.S. - http://www.ailalawyer.com/

ISSS can provide the names of some immigration attorneys. See attorney list below.

UK Student Government Association –A local attorney provides free on-campus consultation for any legal issue. If you would like to set-up an appointment, you can contact Lynn Fresca, Staff Associate/Student Government Office Manager via email or call 257-3191.

It is critical that all international students and scholars on a nonimmigrant status (e.g., B, F, J, H, O, TN, etc.) ensure that they continue to maintain their immigration status. U.S. Customs and Border Protection bureau (CBP) is charged with the front-line inspection and admission process at U.S. ports of entry (POEs).

Avoiding international travel may be the wisest course at this time. If you have the ability to obtain a more durable immigration status such as Lawful Permanent Residence or U.S. Citizenship, taking steps to do so may improve your ability to remain in the U.S. and travel internationally in the future without interruption.

First, call an immigration attorney. If you do not have an immigration attorney, please see the list of potential resources at the end of these FAQs.

Second, contact the UK Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in the International Center – (859) 323-2121. ISSS cannot provide you legal advice but can provide you with a list of available resources.

The executive order does not address travel within the U.S. If you must travel within the U.S be sure to travel with all your immigration related documents that support your lawful immigration status in the U.S

No, the executive order applies only to entry to the U.S. The ability to apply for and extend current visa status, common work authorizations (i.e. OPT, Academic Training) for eligible students and scholars remain intact. Also, this hasn’t impacted those eligible to apply for, H-1B status, Lawful Permanent Residence or U.S. Citizenship from within the United States.

If I'm a Lawful Resident (Green Card Holder) and from one if the countries...

The Executive Order does not apply to certain individuals, such as lawful permanent residents of the United States; foreign nationals admitted to the United States after the effective date of the order; individuals with a document that is valid on the effective date of the order or any date thereafter which permits travel to the United States; dual nationals when travelling on a passport issued by a non-designated country; foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic, NATO, C-2 for travel to the United Nations, G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visas; and individuals already granted asylum or refugee status in the United States before the effective date of the order.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services can provide support and answers to many questions. You can come to 216 Bradley Hall during our walk-in hours (M-F 8-12 p.m. and 1 -4:30 p.m.). If we cannot answer your question or provide direct support we will encourage students, faculty and staff to seek the advice of qualified immigration attorneys. See List of Attorneys.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have broad discretion at points of entry to grant or deny entrance into the United States, therefore, we suggest monitoring available updates on the CBP website which contains FAQ’s that impacted or concerned students/faculty should read, print out, and carry with them when they travel internationally. Please follow instructions about travel at http://www.uky.edu/international/ISSS/Current_Student_Services/Travel

The executive order does not address travel within the U.S. If you must travel within the U.S be sure to travel with all your immigration related documents that support your lawful immigration status in the U.S.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services can provide support and answers to many questions. You can come to 216 Bradley Hall during our walk-in hours (M-F 8-12 p.m. and 1 -4:30 p.m.). If we cannot answer your question or provide direct support we will encourage students, faculty and staff to seek the advice of qualified immigration attorneys. See List of Attorneys.

The executive order does not address travel within the U.S. If you must travel within the U.S be sure to travel with all your immigration related documents that support your lawful immigration status in the U.S.

It is critical that all international faculty and staff on a nonimmigrant status (e.g., B, F, J, H, O, TN, etc.) ensure that they continue to maintain their immigration status. U.S. Customs and Border Protection bureau (CBP) is charged with the front-line inspection and admission process at U.S. ports of entry (POEs).

No, the executive order applies only to entry to the U.S. The ability to apply for and extend current work visa status for eligible students and scholars or to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or U.S. Citizenship from within the United States has not been impacted.

First, call your immigration attorney. If you do not have an immigration attorney, please see the list of potential resources at the end of these FAQs.

Second, contact the UK Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in the International Center – (859) 323-2121. ISSS cannot provide you legal advice but can provide you with a list of available resources.

If I'm a Lawful Resident (Green Card Holder) and from one if the countries?

The Executive Order does not apply to certain individuals, such as lawful permanent residents of the United States; foreign nationals admitted to the United States after the effective date of the order; individuals with a document that is valid on the effective date of the order or any date thereafter which permits travel to the United States; dual nationals when travelling on a passport issued by a non-designated country; foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic, NATO, C-2 for travel to the United Nations, G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visas; and individuals already granted asylum or refugee status in the United States before the effective date of the order. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/03/06/fact-sheet-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services can provide support and answers to many questions. You can come to 216 Bradley Hall during our walk-in hours (M-F 8-12 p.m. and 1 -4:30 p.m.). If we cannot answer your question or provide direct support we will encourage students, faculty and staff to seek the advice of qualified immigration attorneys. See List of Attorneys.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have broad discretion at points of entry to grant or deny entrance into the United States, therefore, we suggest monitoring available updates on the CBP website. Also, we recommend checking with ISSS for any new updates or information.

The executive order does not address travel within the U.S. If you must travel within the U.S be sure to travel with all your immigration related documents that support your lawful immigration status in the U.S.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services can provide support and answers to many questions. You can come to 216 Bradley Hall during our walk-in hours (M-F 8-12 p.m. and 1 -4:30 p.m.). If we cannot answer your question or provide direct support we will encourage students, faculty and staff to seek the advice of qualified immigration attorneys. See List of Attorneys.

Resources

Below is a list of attorneys provided as a courtesy to help UK students and scholars who may need help with locating an attorney. This list is not exhaustive. For immigration matters that don’t require University sponsorship or financial support (employment-based petitions), students and scholars can use any attorney of his or her choice. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is also an excellent resource for locating attorneys: www.aila.org. Click on “Need a Lawyer.”